Soybean crushing operations processed 6.55 million tons in April 2026, down from 6.95 million tons in March but up 8 percent from April 2025, according to the latest Fats and Oils production report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Soybean oil production shows decline
Crude soybean oil production totaled 2.53 billion pounds during April, representing a 6 percent decrease from March 2026 but a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The monthly decline reflected typical seasonal adjustments in processing schedules as facilities balanced production with market demand.
Soybean once-refined oil production reached 1.94 billion pounds in April, down 3 percent from March but up 11 percent year-over-year. The processing data indicates continued strong demand for soybean oil products despite the monthly production decrease.
The April crushing volume of 218 million bushels compared to 232 million bushels in March and 202 million bushels in April 2025, showing the industry’s ability to maintain robust processing levels during spring months.
Canola operations expand significantly
Canola seed crushing reached 202,906 tons in April 2026, down from 225,164 tons in March but up substantially from 161,022 tons in April 2025. This 26 percent year-over-year increase demonstrates growing market interest in canola products.
Canola crude oil production totaled 172 million pounds, declining 5 percent from March but surging 33 percent compared to April 2025. Once-refined canola oil production followed similar patterns, reaching 175 million pounds with a 30 percent annual increase despite a 2 percent monthly decline.
Cottonseed and animal fats show volatility
Cottonseed once-refined oil production jumped 24 percent from March to 28.2 million pounds in April, also posting a 14 percent gain over April 2025. This performance contrasted sharply with other oilseed categories that experienced monthly declines.
Animal fat production showed mixed results across categories. Edible tallow production dropped significantly to 53.9 million pounds, down 23 percent from March and 39 percent from the previous year. Inedible tallow production reached 281 million pounds, declining 4 percent monthly and 10 percent annually.
Technical tallow production bucked the downward trend, rising 2 percent from March to 103 million pounds, though remaining 12 percent below April 2025 levels. Choice white grease production totaled 98 million pounds, down 8 percent from March and 6 percent year-over-year.
The production patterns reflect ongoing adjustments in oilseed processing as facilities respond to changing market conditions and seasonal demand fluctuations across multiple product categories.
